Looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day escape that doesn’t involve overcrowded restaurants or predictable prix-fixe menus? This year, ditch the tired dinner-and-a-movie routine and head to New Jersey Wine Country, where romance meets award-winning wines, artisanal chocolates, and vineyard views that’ll make your Instagram followers jealous.
The Garden State Wine Growers Association: representing 60+ wineries and vineyards across New Jersey: is rolling out the red carpet (or should we say, the wine-stained barrel mat?) with the Wine & Chocolate Trail Weekend, happening February 13-15, 2026. Whether you’re planning a couples’ retreat, a Galentine’s celebration, or just need an excuse to drink wine at noon on a Sunday, this weekend has something special for everyone.
Why New Jersey Wine Country Deserves Your Attention
Let’s be real: when most people think “wine country,” they default to Napa or Sonoma. But here’s what hospitality and beverage professionals already know: New Jersey’s wine scene is seriously underrated and producing some exceptional bottles.
The state’s wine regions span from the Cape May Peninsula in the south (hello, beachside rosé) to the glacial soils of Hunterdon and Warren Counties along the Delaware River in the north. These diverse terroirs produce everything from Austrian varieties like Blaufrankisch and Riesling to Italian classics like Nebbiolo and Sangiovese. Plus, you’re supporting local producers who are doing innovative work with both traditional and trending wine styles, including natural wines and Pet-Nats.
For restaurant operators and F&B directors scouting local wine programs, this weekend is also a fantastic opportunity to taste new producers and build relationships with winemakers who could enhance your beverage menus.
The Wine & Chocolate Trail Weekend: February 13-15
This isn’t your typical wine tasting. The Wine & Chocolate Trail Weekend transforms New Jersey’s wineries into romantic destinations featuring wine and chocolate pairings, live music, chef-designed brunches, and specialty shopping experiences. Here’s the lineup of can’t-miss events:
Unionville Vineyards: Scientific Investigation Required
February 13, 12-5 PM | $65 per person
Ever wondered what savory baked goods and chocolate truffles pair best with which wines? Unionville Vineyards is inviting you to conduct your own (unofficial) scientific investigation. The $65 ticket includes two wine tastings, a treat package to share, and two glasses of wine of your choosing after your “research” is complete.
Located in Hunterdon County, Unionville is part of the region’s wine trail and known for producing quality Austrian and German varieties that thrive in the area’s limestone-rich soils. This is an ideal spot for wine professionals looking to explore food pairing concepts with less mainstream varietals.
Auburn Road Vineyards: Epic Valentine’s Dessert Flight
February 13-15, 12-9 PM | $14 for desserts, $20 for wine
Auburn Road is pulling out all the stops with an Epic Valentine’s Day Dessert Flight featuring four locally made desserts from Sweetsboro Bakery, each paired with a carefully curated wine. Can’t decide? Engineer your own flight, wine pilot.
At just $14 for desserts and $20 for the wine flight, this is one of the most accessible options for couples or groups wanting to experience multiple pairings without breaking the bank. The extended hours (until 9 PM) also make it perfect for an after-work date night.
Hopewell Valley Vineyards: Valentine’s Brunch
February 14, starting at 11 AM
Brunch lovers, this one’s for you. Hopewell Valley Vineyards is serving up their famous ricotta pancakes, breakfast thick oven pizza, spinach and strawberry salad, and more. Wines, mimosas, bellinis, and wine-chocolate pairings are available for purchase.
For restaurant operators, take notes: this is a masterclass in how to create a compelling brunch beverage program that goes beyond basic mimosas. The combination of signature dishes with specialty wine cocktails creates a memorable experience that keeps guests coming back.
Villa Milagro Vineyards: Dias de Amore
February 14-15, 11 AM-5 PM | $15 per person
Villa Milagro is going all-in with wine tastings, small bites, chocolate roses, and truffles. But the star of the show? Besame, their chocolate-infused port that’s basically Valentine’s Day in a glass.
Port and chocolate is a classic pairing, but Villa Milagro’s decision to infuse the chocolate directly into the wine creates a product that’s both innovative and Instagram-worthy: two crucial elements for attracting the modern wine consumer.
Old York Cellars: Chef-Designed Brunch with Bubbles
February 14-15, 11:30 AM-2:30 PM | Reservations required
Old York Cellars is elevating the brunch game with a chef-designed menu paired with sparkling wine. This is the spot for couples who want a more refined, upscale experience. Make sure to reserve in advance: this one’s likely to sell out.
Located in Ringoes, Old York is part of the established Hunterdon County Wine Trail and has built a reputation for quality sparkling wines. If you’re a beverage director looking to expand your local sparkling wine offerings, this is a producer worth knowing.
Willow Creek Winery: Galentine’s Day Celebration
February 15, 12-4 PM
Who says Valentine’s weekend is just for couples? Willow Creek Winery is hosting a Galentine’s Day celebration with food and drink specials, good wine, and great company. Plus, they’re featuring specialty pop-ups from The Veil of Whispers Mobile Bookshop, The Wick Chick, and 7th Street Jewelry.
This is brilliant programming for wineries and hospitality venues: create an event that celebrates friendship and female-focused businesses while driving weekend traffic. For restaurant and bar operators, consider how you could adapt this concept: think “Galentine’s cocktail hour” or “friendship brunch series.”
Autumn Lake Winery: Teacher Appreciation Day
February 16, 1-5 PM | $1 off glasses, $2 off bottles (school ID required)
Teachers deserve wine. Autumn Lake Winery recognizes this universal truth with their Teacher Appreciation Day on February 16. Bring your school ID and enjoy discounts on glasses and bottles: because after a week of shaping young minds, you’ve earned it.
This is smart marketing that targets a specific community while creating goodwill and word-of-mouth buzz. Hospitality operators should take note: targeted appreciation days for specific professions can drive traffic during typically slower periods.
How Hospitality Pros Can Leverage This Weekend
If you’re a restaurant owner, F&B director, or beverage manager, the Wine & Chocolate Trail Weekend isn’t just about romance: it’s a professional opportunity. Here’s how to make the most of it:
Scout new local wines: Build relationships with winemakers whose products could differentiate your beverage program. New Jersey wines often come with compelling stories that resonate with guests interested in supporting local producers.
Steal ideas (legally): Pay attention to how wineries are structuring their food and wine pairings, pricing tiers, and experiential elements. What’s working? What creates buzz? How are they handling reservations and capacity?
Network: Wine country events attract other hospitality professionals, sommeliers, and wine buyers. Bring business cards and be ready to connect.
Consider partnerships: Could your restaurant host a winemaker dinner featuring one of these producers? Could you create a “New Jersey Wine Month” promotion on your beverage menu?
Planning Your Visit
Ready to fall in love with New Jersey Wine Country? Here’s what you need to know:
Make reservations: Several events (like Old York Cellars’ brunch) require advance reservations. Don’t show up expecting to walk in: call ahead or check winery websites.
Designate a driver: Obvious but important. Consider hiring a car service, using ride-share apps, or designating a sober driver for your group.
Dress appropriately: February in New Jersey can be cold. Dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes, especially if you’re planning to visit multiple wineries.
Follow the wine trails: The Hunterdon County Wine Trail, Cape May Wine Trail, and Monmouth-Ocean County Wine Trail offer passport programs where you can collect stamps and enter drawings for complimentary trips.
Subscribe for updates: Sign up for the Garden State Wine Growers Association’s “In the Vines” newsletter for weekly highlights and featured wineries delivered directly to your inbox.
Beyond Valentine’s Weekend
The Wine & Chocolate Trail Weekend is just the beginning. New Jersey’s wine country offers year-round events and experiences, from harvest festivals in the fall to outdoor concerts in the summer. Visit NewJerseyWines.com to explore their interactive winery map, check out the full calendar of events, and start planning your next escape among the vines.
Follow @newjerseywines on Instagram for updates, highlights, and exclusive event previews. Because let’s be honest: if you didn’t post about your wine country weekend, did it even happen?
Whether you’re planning a romantic Valentine’s escape, a fun Galentine’s Day with friends, or a professional scouting trip for your restaurant’s wine program, New Jersey Wine Country delivers. This weekend, skip the crowded chain restaurants and fall in love with local wines, artisanal chocolates, and the kind of vineyard views that make you want to slow down and savor every moment.
Cheers to New Jersey wine!
Related Reading:
- Unexpected Discovery Links Modern Versailles Vineyard to 18th-Century Winemaking Tradition
- ProWein Düsseldorf 2026: The New I2A Framework Is a Game-Changer for the Wine Trade
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” for founding American Wholesale Floral. Politz is also the founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
